Harvey Elliott scored his first goal for Valencia on his first start for the club, as it emerged the on-loan Liverpool midfielder had apologised for his red card last month.
Elliott netted the fourth goal from a direct free-kick in a 6-0 Copa del Rey first-round win over amateur side Tavernes on Tuesday night. It was the 23-year-old's first appearance for Valencia since he was shown two yellow cards and a subsequent red in quick succession for apparently speaking out of turn to the referee during the 2-1 La Liga defeat to Villarreal almost three weeks ago.
Apology and return to action
Valencia boss Javier Aguirre, appointed in September, said: "He came to apologise because he didn't know the reasons for his expulsion since he barely speaks Spanish."
"He's a good player, a very healthy person. Hopefully, we can include him in the team," Aguirre added.
Elliott played the full 90 minutes for the first time since January, when he made a rare outing on loan for Aston Villa in the Europa League against Salzburg. He was employed in a central midfield role.
Manager's view on Elliott's role
"A good player can play anywhere," said Aguirre. "You can put him in midfield or on the wing. He's not entirely comfortable out wide, so I see him playing closer to the box. Everyone wants to play, and that speaks to the team's spirit."
Since beginning his season-long loan at Valencia shortly before deadline day in early September, Elliott has made six La Liga substitute appearances as well as his start on Tuesday. His total of 242 minutes is already only 42 shy of the number he managed for the entirety of last season.
Match details and attendance
Tavernes, based around 40 miles from Valencia, had been drawn at home but were forced to switch the game to the Mestalla because their Municipal stadium holds only 2,000 supporters. More than 32,000 fans attended, including 5,000 people from Tavernes, more than a quarter of the municipality's population. It has been reported in Spain that the gate receipts would meet the club's budget for up to the next three years.
